Car Reviews: 2001 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Although the state of the American auto industry today may not give us anything to smile about, there was once a time when the muscle car defined, in this country, what an automobile should be. Before the days of imports and hybrids, there existed a time when the winner had the biggest engine, the loudest exhaust, and the fastest time in the quarter mile. Although the idea of the muscle car may have been in decline starting from the late 1980's, there were several models that carried on, despite dropping sales numbers and increased competition from foreign automakers. One of these such models was the Pontiac Firebird.

Indeed, the Firebird, and the more performance oriented Trans Am were discontinued in 2002, the last few years of the model line were perhaps some of the most impressive. With technologically improved engines, suspensions that could handle corners, and attractive and modern styling, the late model Trans Am is perhaps one of the most overlooked gems of the motoring world. And perhaps the best place to start our tribute to this iconic vehicle is by taking a quick look at the outside.

Far distanced from the look of Firebird and Trans Am models of the past, the 2001 Firebird is a vehicle that demands a second look. With a swooping front end, deeply curved side body panels, and a large and distinctive rear spoiler, the Trans Am demands your attention. The dual scoops on the hood may at first appear to be a bit overblown, but they really do add to the overall appearance of the vehicle. Happily, even the last models of the vehicle kept the flip up headlight design, a neat feature that few current generation vehicles posses. It may seek to embody the spirit of the classic muscle car, but everything about the 2001 Trans Am is sleek and modern. The back end is distinctive, and the dual exhaust parts are another pleasantly sporty touch. With wheels that set it off from the standard Firebird, and centered fog lights, it is genuinely hard to find a more impressive looking vehicle available at such a price. The Trans Am manages to stride that rare line between sporty and classy, and although it does at times seem to be perhaps a bit too extreme, the styling on the vehicle is both modern and exciting, it seems at home no matter where it is taken, and is one of the few vehicles on the road today that manage to get so many second looks from those who see it.

However, when you open the large driver's side door and step inside, things aren't quite so nice. In direct contrast to the stirring and exciting exterior design, the inside of the vehicle looks a little bit off. While there's nothing inherently "wrong" with the inside of the car, it seems like it doesn't fit the outside. Looking very similar to the interior in any Cavalier, there is just far too much plastic for the interior of the Trans Am to be as classy and impressionable as the outside. Of course, the interior was not built for style, it was built for function. And, on that end, it succeeds with flying colors. All of the buttons and options are perfectly where they should be. Controlling the radio only requires extending the fingers of your hand when it's on the shifter, and the seating position feels natural and controlled. Of course, the Trans Am is definitely a low car, and some adjustments may need to be made if one is of not-so-tall stature. All Trans Am's come equipped with power leather seats, and while the leather may not be comparable to BMW or even Volkswagen standards, it is surprisingly comfortable and supportive. The gearshift is placed directly where it should be. Although it may not be the most luxurious place in the world to spend your time, the interior of the Trans Am is perhaps nothing more than it should be, and a definite study of function over form.

While the interior may not grab your attention, the way that the Trans Am drives definitely will. To be completely honest, any complaints one might have had with the plastic or lack of gadgets on the inside of the vehicle are completely forgotten about when one turns the key and ignites that powerful 5.7 liter V8. While there is no doubt that the Trans Am is a fast car, perhaps the first thing that surprises you is that it isn't uncontrollable. The car has a surprising amount of grip around the corners, starting and stopping are not a problem, and the car drives very much like a refined sports car. However, this isn't to say that it can't be a beast when you want it to be. Pull out the t-tops, push the pedal to the floor, and the acceleration and noise of the V8 burbling through dual exhaust pipes reminds you of exactly what your driving. On long trips, the car is comfortable, and if you keep your head about you, the gas mileage is actually reasonable, especially on the highway. Perhaps it is this then, that manages to give the Trans Am it's universal appeal and value for money. It is one of those rare breeds of vehicles that is at home in almost any situation. For a road trip it is versatile, with a good amount of hatch space, and so-so rear seating room. For cruising on country roads, the handling is surprisingly good. And, for straight line acceleration, you can't beat the 325 horse power provided by that massive V8.Though it may now be dead and gone, and with the recent closure of Pontiac we may never be able to expect a "revival" model, fans of the Trans Am can at least be contented that the vehicle went out with a bang. The 2001 Trans Am is an incredibly enjoyable vehicle. It looks superb, drives amazingly, and may very well be the best tribute to the Firebird line that can be imagined.